Style Greetings With An Open Mind

On my way to grab a latte at a cafe to meet up with a co-worker friend I halted to browse a nearby newsstand to check out the latest glossies and non-fashion periodicals of choice. In reaching for the likes of Another, Dazed and Confused, and Crash, a woman with an orange trench coat excused herself to reach across me and take a stack of similar reads. She gradually looked up, smiled, and said, "oh, I love your shoes," which were nothing exceptionally special, merely sunshine coloured oxfords worn with this ensemble!

However, within seconds we began to chat about favourite authors, food, fashion, and just about everything inbetween. We also talked about our hobbies and occupations. Afterward, she thanked me for inspiring her (which I am still trying to figure out what I did exactly) and randomly began to talk about blogging and her long desire to start a food blog. There was no awkwardness at all! Instead, it was one of those rare and marvellous encounters with strangers that you wish happened often.

This made me ponder about how we influence people without even trying to. There are those who watch us from afar—even in the simplest of ways our personal style can help inspire others when we least expect it!

As we step into another week with hopes of being greeted with warmer
days, I wanted to share some fashion items that I am currently loving. This past weekend I actually had planned to squeeze in time
to go vintage shopping, but that fell through because I was exhausted
from other weekend engagements. Additionally, I am preparing for a work conference this week so I will see you back in a few, but for now, enjoy my selection of favourites!

62 comments

That's such a wonderful story. I absolutely love when small serendipitous meetings happen. I have the pleasure of meeting about 25 new people every single day at work, and the potential for connections is amazing. I've had some wonderful conversations with complete strangers that have inspired me, and I can only hope I've inspired them half as much.

As for the outfits, I'm pretty obsessed with the first pair of shoes. And, I'm sorry I haven't been around much. Life has been even crazier than usual -- I'm desperately trying to catch up! xo

It's funny, you know... I often think about how much of life we miss out on by having headphones in and/or cell phones in hand, because we simply don't pay attention to those around us. And you never know who you're going to meet or what wonderful opportunity could come your way, if only you open yourself up to it! It sounds like you had a really positive connection with this woman - good for you :)xox,Cee

Hi dear, aw it must of been such a lovely and heartwarming conversation to of had with that lady, I'm not at all surprised you inspired her, just from knowing you on here, I find you have an inspirational Way about you. Loving these picks and especially those sunglasses :)

Love your story about the random stranger ~ how serendipitous!And I am smitten with those flame-print pumps... I actually bought the McQ version on theOutnet.com but when they arrived they were too small and they didn't have a bigger size :(

That's such a lovely story...you should feel proud to have influenced someone so positively. I haven't had anything like that happen to me, but maybe someday:) And I love that moto jacket you picked out. Two thumbs up:)

hey madison! it's an awesome feeling to inspire someone. it can be through words, designs, your blog, actions and all types of ways. it has happened to me. it's the best feeling when someone writes you or tells you that what you did inspired them to do xyz. it always makes me happy and puts a smile on my face. i love that clutch and lace printed swimsuit. so pretty! have a great week doll.

I think inspiration is one of the things I love about blogging and reading blogs---- its great to see how everyone interprets different things and allow to impact their own perspectives. By the way- LOVE the black & gold!

People tell me all the time I inspire them at the gym-- particularly older people who let their health go all the time. My favorite is when I get an e-mail from someone telling me one of my stories inspired them.

I love your story. It always amazes me how people notice fashion/style. On my birthday a lady insisted on buying my bag right off my body--I was in shock. But I am guilty of it myself--love when I see a well put together outfit I tend to drink it all in. Hope you are having a great week!xo Mary Jo

This is a great encounter story, its cool how people inspire people without knowing it, its very nice you guys bumped into each other and were able to inspire her because we all need inspiration in our lives.www.fifthnsixthcloset.com

That is one amazing encounter. I do wish that happened more often. I have had strangers compliment my clothing, but I've never had a great conversation start up because of it. Perhaps next time, I will be a bit more engaged with the person! :)

I love moments like those! My most recent one was at the gym, I was about to start and this girl asked me to take a few photos of her for her fitness blog she was starting. We continued to talk about our blogs and it was just an overall great conversation!

Oh I love encounters like that! I had an extra ticket to a show this past NYFW, my colleague had to back out last minute, so i just gave the ticket to a stranger waiting on a standby line for the show and she was just sooooooooo ecstatic. then we got to talking and she is a teacher that has taught all over the world, but loves fashion and she always tries to get into her fave designers....she was the sweetest and it was just an incredible evening :).

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